Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. my Cowboy Cornbread Casserole and this Sloppy Joe Casserole are both great choices as well!

 

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Hearty, Easy, and Full of Down-Home Flavor

If you're craving a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s both hearty and hands-off, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. It’s a down-home classic filled with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, savory beans, and melty cheese—all slow-cooked into a dish that's pure comfort in every bite.

This is the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a second helping and cozy up on the couch. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

And hey—if you're loving the cowboy theme, don't miss my Cowboy Cornbread Casserole or the family-favorite Sloppy Joe Casserole. Both are bold, flavorful, and built to satisfy!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• 🐄 Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and starches for a one-dish meal.

• ⏲️ Set It & Forget It: Your slow cooker does the work while you get on with your day.

• 🧀 Family-Friendly: Cheesy, savory, and satisfying for even the pickiest eaters.

• 🥔 Easy Pantry Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just delicious, down-home cooking.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3–4 medium potatoes, sliced thin or diced

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.

2. Layer in the slow cooker

   • Add a layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker.

   • Top with half the beef mixture, half the beans, tomatoes, and corn (if using).

   • Repeat layers, ending with remaining potatoes on top.

3. Season and cook
   Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the layers. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

4. Add cheese
   About 10–15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover until melted.

5. Serve hot
   Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Add a side of cornbread for the full cowboy experience!

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Tips & Variations

• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Add heat: Stir in diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Make it creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream of mushroom soup for a richer texture.

• More veggies? Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms all work well in this dish.

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Love This Recipe? Try These Too!

• 🥘 Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – A layered bake with savory meat, beans, cheese, and golden cornbread on top.

• 🍔 Sloppy Joe Casserole – All the tangy, saucy goodness of Sloppy Joes baked into a bubbly, cheesy casserole.

These are perfect for busy families, potlucks, or any night when you need something warm and comforting on the table fast.

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is rustic, rich, and ridiculously easy—everything you want in a family dinner. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese in every bite, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

So pull out that slow cooker, toss in your ingredients, and let this cowboy favorite do its thing. And don’t forget to check out the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole and Sloppy Joe Casserole for even more family-friendly comfort food classics!